Health Message from the IV Nurse

With school back in session, a quick reminder from IV School Nurse Mrs. Quinn regarding handwashing and sick day guidelines.

Handwashing
Handwashing is an easy, inexpensive, and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep people healthy. Parents can help keep their families healthy by
•teaching them good handwashing technique
•Reminding their kids to wash their hands
•Washing their own hands with their kids.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness to others. Reducing illness increases productivity due to:
•Less time spent at the doctor’s office and more time spent at work or school
For more details, visit https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/

Sick Day Guidelines
Now that cold and flu season is upon us, please refer to the following guidelines when you are considering keeping your child home from school. These guidelines have been endorsed by our School Medical Director, Dr. Hart, and the National Association of School Nurses.

A child should remain home from school if there has been:
•Fever of 100.0 degrees or higher
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea if there have been more than 4 stools in one day
•Excessive coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge
•Headache, body aches, earache

Your child can return to school when:
•The fever is under 100 degrees for 24 hours without medication
•The stomach is settled and able to tolerate solid food for 24 hours
•The child is able to handle the nasal discharge
•Coughing & sneezing are at a minimum
•Normal energy & appetite have returned

Please remember that resting at home until the fever is gone for 24 hours without medication and drinking plenty of fluids aid healing. Colds can be contagious for at least 48 hours. Returning to school too soon may slow the recovery process, expose others unnecessarily to illness and re-infect your already compromised child.

And as always, hand washing is the single most important factor in the spread of disease. Therefore, wash your hands frequently: before eating or handling food, after coughing or sneezing, and after toileting.